Microsoft renames Vancouver dev Black Tusk Studios

Microsoft has renamed its Vancouver development office to Black Tusk Studios.

The Canada-based developer, which houses 55 employees, is currently working on creating "immersive triple-A” games for Microsoft platforms.

A description on the studio’s new website states the being a first-party Microsoft studio has given it a mandate and opportunity to “think and act big”, while also being able to leverage the technology resources and expertise from other Microsoft Studios such as 343 Industries, Turn 10 Studios, Rare and Lionhead.

“Being a first-party studio at Microsoft means having both the mandate and the opportunity to think and act big,” reads a statement on the studio’s website.

“All of Microsoft’s studios share the same commitment to innovation and quality, along with support from a world-class global marketing, sales, and distribution organisation. As part of the Microsoft Studios family, Black Tusk is able to leverage resources, technology, and experience from other first-party studios such as 343 Industries, Turn 10 Studios, Rare Ltd., Lionhead Studios, Good Science Studio, and Twisted Pixel Games.

“We also share resources and knowledge with BigPark and Microsoft Studios Victoria, two other Microsoft studios located in Vancouver and Victoria respectively. “

Speaking to the Vancouver Sun, studio manager Mike Crump said the developer was “actively recruiting” beyond the 55 staff already employed at the studio, and would be working on a completely original IP.

He added that the developer was looking to make "the next Halo".

“What that means is we are working on Microsoft’s next big entertainment franchise,” said Crump.

“We’re not working on an existing franchise, we’re looking to build the next Halo here in Vancouver, for example, which is really exciting. We are building something from the ground up.”